Happy Healthy Cat Month

September is Happy Healthy Cat Month.  We are usually pretty healthy kitties and Mom Paula does all she can to keep us happy and healthy.  Many of you know that Brulee had to be rushed to the vet Wednesday morning with a high fever and difficulty breathing.  She's doing better and we hope she'll be back to her happy and healthy self by the end of the weekend.

Truffle and Brulee

Disclosure - We received helpful hints from Wellness® Natural Pet Food.  There are no active links in this post and this isn't a sponsored post for the products.

Happy Healthy Cat Month Tips

Here are some Happy, Healthy Cat Month Tips by Dr. Danielle Bernal, a veterinarian with Wellness® Natural Pet Food.

Truffle(2011) playing with Mom Paula

Instinctively, felines are natural hunters. Help your cat or kitten stay on top of their skills with plenty of play time together. Not only does this keep your cat active to support a healthy weight, it also keeps stress levels down and encourages bonding for a happy, purring kitty. Just be sure that you keep any laser pointers away from your cat’s eyes!

Truffle knows water is important

Cats don’t always like to drink water. While they may not have the same thirst drive as dogs, that doesn’t make hydration any less important. Wet meal toppers, like Wellness® TruFood® Complements, are a great way to mix up your cat’s meals with flavor and texture, and get some extra moisture in their diet. Made with vibrant whole foods and five natural ingredients or fewer, they’re a simple way to enhance cats’ existing diets and ensure they’re getting all the nutrients they need. Add them to your furry friend’s dry food, or feed separately as an exciting snack during the day! (Special note:  we haven't tried this yet, but we love Wellness products.)

Brulee on scales

Due to their sedentary lifestyles, indoor cats are especially prone to weight gain, which can lead to a wide variety of health issues. That’s why it’s essential that your cat’s diet features a well-rounded mix of proteins, fats and nutrients to support a healthy weight. Balanced recipes made with quality proteins and produce, like Wellness® Complete Health™ Indoor Health, are made specifically for felines that lounge more than they lunge to keep them feeling (and looking!) their best.

Truffle and Brulee know the importance of  using a scratching post

Cats experience boredom, too, and they can express it in ways you may not be so fond of, such as chasing other pets or shredding household items like curtains and furniture. Excite your feline friend by bringing a taste of the wild indoors, with perches by a sunny window or potted plants that are cat friendly. A few to avoid are tulips, lilies and English ivy–these are all toxic for pets!

Truffle gets groomed by Mom Paula

Hairballs are unpleasant for cats and pet parents alike, but they can be managed with some extra grooming time and a proper diet.  Hairballs happen when stray hairs get stuck in the digestive tract as a result of self-grooming, and cats spend nearly 20% of their waking hours grooming. However, a few minutes of daily brushing can help catch those loose hairs before your cat does. Also look for recipes made with special blends of natural fiber, like Wellness® Natural Hairball Control, to help prevent hairballs from forming and keep kitty comfortable.

Truffle loves treats

Many pet parents love to treat their dogs with healthful snacks, but cats like treats too, and treating helps reinforce the bond between pet and pet parent. Look for recipes that are low in calories so you can treat them without feeling guilty. New Wellness® Kittles™ recipes have under two calories per morsel so you can treat kitty multiple times per day. They’re also available in six flavorsome varieties, like Turkey & Cranberries and Duck & Cranberries, to accommodate every cat’s palate.  

Graphic courtesy Wellness® Natural Pet Food

What things do you do to keep your cats healthy and happy?